Led by Sandile July, Anastasia Vatalidis, and Jacques van Wyk, the employment team at Werksmans Attorneys is recognised for its ‘strong technical capabilities’ in fund restructuring, collective bargaining, employment contracts, and HR policies. July has led on many public sector disputes, and van Wyk handles employment law, restructures, executive terminations, compliance audits, and employment litigation. Andre Van Heerden specialises in M&A employment transactions, compliance audits, corporate restructures, and workplace health and safety. Nonkosazana Nkosi has a focus on labour and employment related disputes.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Accolades
Client satisfaction: NPS ®
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- ‘Strong team with deep subject matter expertise. Always up to date with best practice and latest legislative and regulatory directives.’
- ‘Strong technical capabilities, direct and to the point, very respectful.’
- ‘My experience is that they are very nuanced re the current climate on all levels in the country.'
- ‘Incredibly friendly, value driven, objective and clear. Thoroughness is also a focus so that we get it right the first time if possible.’
- ‘Andre Van Heerden and his team are truly exceptional. What makes this Werksmans Attorneys unique is their ability to respond promptly and provide clear, actionable advice tailored to our needs. They are extremely professional and well-versed in labour law, always offering valuable perspectives that help us make informed decisions.'
- ‘Andre Van Heerden is an outstanding professional who consistently exceeds expectations. He is direct, focused, and always gets to the core of the matter, ensuring that we know exactly what needs to be done. His ability to manage relationships, communicate effectively, and deliver results promptly is unmatched.'
Key clients
- National Student Financial Aid Scheme
- Department of Home Affairs
- South African Broadcasting Corporation (SOC) Limited
- Exxaro Resources Limited
- South African Civil Aviation Authority
- Small Enterprise Finance Agency Limited
- Air Traffic and Investigation Service
- Aberdare Cables (Proprietary) Limited
- Industrial Development Corporation of South Africa
- Mobile Telephone Networks (Pty) Ltd
- Bidvest Commercial Products (Pty) Ltd
- African Exploration Mining and Finance Corporation (SOC) Ltd
Work highlights
Represented the National Student Financial Aid Scheme in relation to the dismissal of former CEO, Mr. Andile Nongogo, on 24 October 2023 following a breakdown of trust arising from acts of impropriety, including the irregular appointment of four service providers under Bid No. SCMN022/2021.
Advised the Department of Home Affairs on the full range of employment and labour law services, and successfully defended contempt proceedings in the Labour Court (case no. P116/23) against the Director General and Minister of Home Affairs, with the Court dismissing the application with costs after finding it baseless, irresponsible, and needlessly costly to the client.
Defending Astron Energy (Pty) Ltd, its majority shareholder Glencore, and Glencore UK, against claims by CEPPWAWU, conducting and managing investigations into alleged employee criminal conduct, acting in disciplinary hearings and dismissal disputes, advising on restructuring processes, representing Astron in Labour Court litigation, revising its disciplinary code, delivering HR and EXCO training on retrenchment and workplace harassment, and advising on PSIRA compliance.
Lawyers
Leading associates
Leading associates with regular involvement in their team's key work, and recognition from peers or clients as being ones to watch.
Practice head
Sandile July; Anastasia Vatalidis; Jacques van Wyk
Other key lawyers
Andre Van Heerden; Nonkosazana Nkosi